Google introduces new Samsung-made Chromebook

To many, Google and Samsung are two companies that go hand-in-hand, mostly because Samsung is the world's biggest manufacturer of Android phones. It's only fitting, then, that Google has picked Samsung to produce a new Chromebook. The idea behind it is still to give consumers a speedy browser-only laptop, but it appears that this new device brings a number of changes over Chromebooks of the past.

The biggest change is the price, as this new Chromebook will only cost $249, which is a far cry from the $449 price tag Chromebooks used to sport. Google was able to bring the price down so much because of the changes it made to internal hardware. The new Chromebook comes running an Exynos 5 Dual ARM processor, something our friends at SlashGear point out leads to a Chromebook with no fans and no moving parts at all.

Aside from the processor, you'll be working with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. You've got a 11.6-inch screen running at 1366×768 resolution, along with two USB ports and an HDMI-out port. The whole package comes it at 2.5 pounds and is only 0.8 inches thick, so this new Chromebook will be keeping with the current trend of super-portable laptops.

The changes stop at hardware and pricing, which means that you shouldn't expect any significant differences in the software. If you pick one of these up, Google will give you 100GB of free Drive storage, though this promotion also applies to any other Samsung Chromebooks currently on the market. If this has caught your eye, you'll be pleased to know that pre-orders open today, and Samsung's new Chromebook goes on sale next Monday. Are you picking one up?

At this price and size/weight and A15 is definitely a better idea than a more expensive tablet however, I want the Play store access and be able to download apps.

Kevin Faaborg

To be honest, yes, I am looking forward to getting one. I had a CR-48 for both me and my partner and outside of being the last to update to the newer software, we loved them. Only question for us now, if we should replace our CR-48 (that are having hinge issues due to obviously being a prototype) or if we should just jump over to getting Nexus 7 instead. I guess the biggest issue is if losing flash is more important since We can get a keyboard for less than the difference between the two.

wizard62777

Use this along with a tethered smart phone, and RDP on your windows 7 desktop at home, and you have a pretty good combination.

Observant Freeman

It looks like A-15s are ready. Power efficiency seems to be what’s left to be taken care of. Why on earth no other thin laptop maker is willing to be creative with their design shocks me.